Royal Davui Island Review: Luxury Meets Authentic Fijian Culture

In an era where “private island” often means over-the-top opulence, Royal Davui offers something more valuable: authenticity. Established in 2005 by Chris Southwick, a fifth-generation Fijian with deep ties to the islands, Royal Davui Island Resort has evolved into one of Fiji’s most exclusive adults-only retreats. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the property now offers an enhanced yet understated luxury experience across its 16 private villas, each positioned for optimal views of the surrounding lagoon.The resort caters to those who seek both indulgence and escape.

The Villas: Elegant Seclusion

The heart of Royal Davui’s appeal lies in its villas, which balance traditional Fijian design with modern comforts. Built from local materials, they are positioned to preserve the island’s dense foliage, ensuring that no two guests have the same sightline.

• Private plunge pools and wraparound decks frame uninterrupted views of the lagoon.

• Floor-to-ceiling glass doors blur the line between indoors and out.

• Spacious bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs and outdoor showers.

• Thoughtful details include king-size beds positioned for optimal ocean views and discreet minibars stocked with local treats.

The Deluxe Cliff-Edge Villas are particularly striking, perched above the water with panoramas of the Pacific. At sunset, the light shifts from gold to violet, casting the lagoon in an ever-changing glow, best enjoyed from the privacy of one’s own deck.

Dining: Fresh, Local, Unfussy

The resort’s open-air restaurant, sheltered by an ancient banyan tree, serves meals that highlight Fiji’s bounty. The menu changes daily, dictated by what is fresh and available—often seafood caught that morning or produce from nearby islands.

Guests can opt for a romantic dinner on the beach, a picnic on the resort’s secluded sandbar, or an impromptu tasting menu at the chef’s counter. The kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions without fuss, and the wine list, though not exhaustive, is well-curated.

Activities: Adventure or Idleness, Your Choice

Royal Davui strikes a delicate balance between activity and inertia. Those inclined toward movement can snorkel the house reef, kayak to neighboring islets, or take a guided dive in the Beqa Lagoon, known for its soft coral. Others may prefer a sunset cruise or a visit to a nearby village, where traditional Fijian life continues much as it has for generations.

For the truly idle, there is the infinity pool, the spa (where treatments incorporate coconut and dilo oil), and the simple pleasure of a book in the shade. The resort’s staff, attentive without being intrusive, ensures that whatever one chooses or does not choose to do feels effortless.

Sustainability: Luxury Without Guilt

The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its operations. Solar power supplements energy needs, biodegradable cleaning products are standard, and a strict no-single-use-plastics policy is enforced. Even the villas’ construction was carefully planned to avoid disturbing the island’s oldest trees.

The Intangible: Why It Works

What elevates Royal Davui beyond its physical attributes is its atmosphere. The staff, many of whom are Fijian, bring a warmth that feels genuine rather than rehearsed. The weekly kava ceremony, where guests gather to share the mildly narcotic traditional drink, often becomes an impromptu storytelling session. And the farewell song, performed at departure, has been known to bring tears to the eyes of even the most seasoned travelers.

Who Should Go

This is not a resort for those who crave nightlife or constant stimulation. It is, instead, a place for honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, or anyone in need of quiet luxury. The helicopter transfer (the only practical way to arrive) underscores the sense of leaving the ordinary world behind.

The Bottom Line

Royal Davui succeeds as a rare combination of authenticity and refinement, a place where Fijian traditions and modern luxury coexist without pretense. It is, in the best sense, a place where time slows, the ocean dominates the view, and the only real decision is whether to swim before breakfast or after.

If you go:

• Best for: Couples seeking privacy and understated luxury.

• Skip if: You prefer large resorts with extensive amenities.

• Pro tip: Opt for a sunset-facing villa and request a private dinner on the jetty at least once.